The opera house was one of a number of important elements of the new city centre designed in the early 20th century. The main building is still the imperial castle in neo- Romanesque style, built by King Wilhelm II. This was the last royal residence of such size built in Europe. In the courtyard is the Lion Fountain – a replica of the famous sculpture from the Alhambra. The king, who visited his castle just twice, received guests in the throne room, which today houses a movie theatre. The monarch sat on a throne modeled after that of the Maharaja of Delhi.
